15 Unique Creatures of Norse Mythology
The nine worlds of Norse mythology are full of bizarre mythical creatures such as giants, dwarves, elves, norns and the Kraken. While Norse mythology is predominantly about the Norse gods, ...
Norse mythology refers to the mythology and religion of the Norse (also called Vikings) and Germanic peoples, which existed before their conversion to Christianity. The myths are vibrant, intriguing and unique, showcasing the beliefs and ideals of the people who believed in them.
Norse mythology is full of interesting and complex figures, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya and Frigg. It can be harsh and sordid, often even fatalistic, representing the worldview of the Norse people and the harsh environment they lived in.
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As Neil Gaiman so aptly puts it, “The Norse myths are the myths of a chilly place, with long, long winter nights and endless summer days, myths of a people who did not entirely trust or even like their gods, although they respected and feared them.”
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Our series on Norse mythology covers all the main characters, creatures and events, highlighting the importance of the stories and their symbolism and relevance today.
The nine worlds of Norse mythology are full of bizarre mythical creatures such as giants, dwarves, elves, norns and the Kraken. While Norse mythology is predominantly about the Norse gods, ...
The Norns in Norse mythology are very similar to the Greek Fates and to other female celestial beings from other religions and mythologies. Arguably, the Norns are the most powerful beings of all ...
The Vikings were a fierce and formidable group of people, known for their conquests, raids, and battles throughout history. But what many people don't know is that they also had a deep ...
Also known as Elhaz, the Algiz rune is one of the characters of the runic alphabet used by the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland, and Britain around the 3rd century to the ...
The Odal, or Othala rune, is one of the oldest and most widely used runes in most ancient Norse, Germanic, and Anglo-Saxon cultures. In the Elder Futhark (i.e. the oldest form of the runic ...
The Norse and Vikings used many symbols, which held great significance in their culture. One such symbol is the Horn of Odin, also called the Triple Crescent Moon, which is often depicted as three ...
Sleipnir is the most legendary horse in Norse mythology and arguably one of the most famous horses throughout all of the world’s religions. With eight powerful legs, a fascinating and funny ...
There are many monsters in Nordic folklore and mythology but none inspire as much terror as the World Serpent Jörmungandr. Even the World Tree dragon NĂðhöggr, who constantly gnaws at the tree’s ...
The Valknut is a recognizable yet somewhat enigmatic symbol. This ancient Norse and Germanic sign goes so far back that archeologists and historians don’t even know its original name, as Valknut ...
Krampus is a strange mythological being with rather unique looks and symbolism. Half-goat and half-demon, this terrifying being has mysterious origins that may come from several different ancient ...
The famous – or infamous – troll cross, or trollkors, symbol is an interesting example of how people can still make up new runes and symbols, even if there are so many already in existence. ...
The Vegvisir (pronounced VEGG-vee-seer) is an ancient Norse symbol that is believed to provide safety for those who are embarking on a long voyage. The Vegvisir is believed to have originated in ...
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